I'm trying to replace my timing chain on my 91 pickup with a 22-RE. The manual says to remove the main pully. For the life of me, I can't get the main bolt off of the pully. Can anyone help? thanks!

 

Most people use a good rattle gun but there are a few that use a socket and cheater bar pressed up against the fender then they just bump the starter and use the starter torque to loosen the bolt.

Doing it the old fashioned way if you are having trouble holding the motor while you turn the bolt you may want to consider putting it in a higher gear (4th?) and having some one apply the breaks or set the E brake real good. Once you turn the slack out of the drive train with the socket then it should bind up tight and allow you to turn the bolt properly.

 

I ended up using a chain wrench on the main pulley (like the FSM says) AND a wrench on the cam bolt. then a 3-lb mini maul on my 1/2" ratchet for a little impact. and it came out.

also used lots of PB Blaster

 

I have a few methods I use on my cars
-put it in 5th gear and use a breaker bar and/or cheater bar
-pull a spark plug and feed rope done into the cylinder, put enough to the point where the engine can't rotate then use a breaker bar and/or cheater bar
-hit it with an impact wrench
-If it's on there really hard, I'll try the rope trick and use a chisel and hammer going counterclockwise to break it loose. It works

I have yet to try the socket wrench and starter trick on my 4runner, but when I change my timing chain in a few weeks I'll try that one out.

Patrick
86 4runner

 

I've used this method exclusively on 3 timing chain replacements without fail. Just make sure that you pull the coil lead so the vehicle doesn't start.

Troy

 

I would put the the breaker bar and socket (1/2" drive, atleast...19mm socket, hardened) on the bolt from underneath and up against the frame rail as opposed to the fender, though. I'm sure the other way suggested is just fine, but I have seen those things go flying off because the socket popped off the bolt head. And, you'd rather that happen under the vehicle that above. You know, windshield, your head..things like that.